This year we are incredibly impressed with the 77 students who have undertaken their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. By completing the award, they will have developed a wealth of skills and experiences including self-confidence, teamwork, leadership skills, communication skills, problem solving, decision making and resilience.
The Bronze Award consists of four main sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. Every student had to decide how they were going to fulfil each section over the course of three months and they were creative in their approaches!
Volunteering
Volunteering is simple. It is about choosing to give time to help people, our community or society, the environment, or animals. A number of students have volunteered to help sports clubs both in and out of school, including Guide and Scout groups, helping in the school library and various local charity shops. Several students chose to fundraise for expedition equipment for the school which will be a fantastic legacy for future year groups. They have been very committed to raising money through various events including a staff car wash, refreshments at discos and a stall at the Christmas Fayre raising £832.
Physical
In short, students had to undertake something that requires a sustained level of energy and physical activity. Students chose a variety of team and individual sports, ranging from hockey to running, circuit training to basketball.
Skills
Students chose a wide range of skills including drawing and painting, crochet, British Sign Language, cooking and baking. As part of this section, they all had to prove they have broadened their understanding and increased their expertise in their chosen skill. We certainly put some of the cooking skills to the test during the expedition!
Expedition
Students had to plan, train and complete an unaccompanied, self-reliant expedition. As part of their preparation they undertook a practise walk at Golden Acre Park, enabling us to test their navigation skills. They also practised putting their tents up, working out how best to pack their rucksacks and plan their routes.
During April students undertook their expedition starting at Coniston (Yorkshire Dales), camping at Appletreewick and finishing at Bolton Abbey.
Thank you to everyone for their hard work, including the parents/carers who have helped in so many ways and all the staff in ensuring the whole programme was the success it has been.
